Program Director - Day Camp

Girl Scouts of Western Washington•Carnation, WA

1d•$178 - $184•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Director advances the camp’s mission by designing, planning, and delivering engaging program activities that are safe, enjoyable, and developmentally appropriate for campers. This role oversees the daily operation of program areas such as target sports, challenge courses, and waterfronts, including staff supervision, training, scheduling, and equipment maintenance. As a key member of the camp leadership team, the Program Director supports the successful operation of the overall summer camp program. Compensation for this position is $178.40 - $184.40 per day, with the starting rate dependent on previous employment at GSWW camps. Camp Season 2026 will run from June 8th through August 27th, with start and end dates determined by position. For the 2026 season, this position will be located at Camp River Ranch (Carnation, WA). Day Camp will run Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M with staff hours starting as early as 7:00 A.M. and ending no later than 6:00 P.M. Staff will be scheduled for a 40 hour work week and receive breaks throughout the day. Staff will have the opportunity to ride camp buses to and from camp and support the check-in and check-out processes at bus stops. Camp River Ranch serves campers ages 5 to 17 and offers a variety of programming including swimming, boating, target sports, climbing wall, and classic camp activities.

Requirements

At least 21 years of age
High School Diploma or equivalent
Experience working in a summer camp setting or similar
Experience supervising staff
Experience in leading and developing programs for youth ages 5-17
Experience lifeguarding and boating on lakefront and/or tidal, saltwater based waterfronts
Experience facilitating challenge courses, including belaying
Knowledge of and commitment to fostering environments that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and belonging
Comfortable working in a camp setting with a variable work week and hours, including on-call, overnight, and weekend responsibilities
Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective interactions with individuals at all levels and backgrounds, with the ability to work under pressure
Demonstrated ability to prioritize project tasks and deadlines, work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards
Ability to navigate technology programs and platforms independently including Microsoft 365; ability/willingness to learn new technologies
Ability to pass pre-requisite swimming skills assessment for lifeguarding including: Swim 550 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both without touching the wall or touching the bottom Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs Surface dive to a maximum water depth of 10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object Swim 5 yards submerged and retrieve 3 dive rings without resurfacing
Current certification in First Aid/CPR/AED or willingness to obtain
Current certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid or willingness to obtain
Current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Management or willingness to obtain
Current certification in American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding or willingness to obtain (see above pre-requisites)
Current certification or qualification for instructing youth in canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and/or paddleboards appropriate to the waterfront or willingness to obtain
Current certification in Association for Challenge Course Technology Level 1 or willingness to obtain
Satisfactory results from a criminal background check

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Girl Scout program
Experience in leading and developing programs similar to those camp offer (arts and crafts, archery, nature, outdoor skills, backpacking)
A valid driver’s license, clean driving record and willingness to transport campers and staff in 12 passenger vans

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day planning and delivery of camp program based on camp goals, outcomes, and marketed activities
Observe and evaluate Lifeguards weekly, providing feedback through scheduled one-on-one meetings
Oversee equipment management for program areas, including pre- and post- season inventories, daily safety inspections, and submitting requests for repairs or replacement equipment as needed.
Develop and oversee implementation of weekly program area and unit schedules in coordination with the other department directors
Coordinate the procurement of program supplies requested by Program Specialists and unit staff while ensuring adherence to the approved budget
Assist with training summer camp staff in effective program delivery and program safety, ensuring a clear understanding of policies and procedures
Assist in the training of the summer camp staff in appropriate roles for waterfront support, program safety, and ensuring understanding of policies and procedures, including regular skill assessments throughout summer and organizing weekly in-service trainings for waterfront staff
Assist with the management of overall camp operations under the direction of the Camp Director
Implement weekly all camp activities such as all camp games, campfires, etc.
Carry out established duties for general camp operations including check-in and check-out, meals, bus supervision, camp cleaning, season opening and closing tasks, and completion of necessary paperwork